Saturday, 19 April 2025

Emirates to Offer Special Easter Treats and Entertainment

Published: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Emirates to Offer Special Easter Treats and Entertainment

Emirates Airlines is preparing to host a spectacular Easter celebration from April 18 to April 21, 2025, offering a joyous experience for travelers across its various routes and lounges. This event welcomes passengers in First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class to partake in the festive spirit of Easter.

During this celebration, Emirates will serve a delightful assortment of Easter-themed meals on flights to destinations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, and the USA. Travelers can anticipate classic Easter offerings, including hot cross buns and Easter bread, alongside indulgent desserts like carrot cake drizzled with a rich très leches sauce and chocolate mousse paired with raspberry gel and hazelnut fudge.

Young passengers will also receive cheerful Easter egg-shaped cookies, adding a playful touch to their journey. In the A380 Onboard Lounge, passengers can enjoy festive cupcakes and traditional simnel fruitcake topped with marzipan.

For those flying on routes to Russia and Greece, Emirates will celebrate Orthodox Easter from April 18 to April 20, featuring a unique menu for First and Business Class passengers. This special menu includes herb-crusted lamb served with crispy roasted potatoes, baby carrots, and tzatziki, as well as kulich bread, a sweet treat traditionally enjoyed during Orthodox Easter.

Across Emirates' network of lounges, passengers will find an array of classic Easter dishes available from April 18 to April 21. Highlights include tender lamb chops served in saffron and orange jus in the First Class Lounge, and a hearty lamb stew with potatoes and dried fruits in the Business Class Lounge. A selection of Easter-themed desserts, including cookies and assorted chocolates, will also be available.

In addition to these culinary delights, Emirates will provide a wide range of entertainment options, featuring over 6,500 channels on its acclaimed ice entertainment system. Passengers can enjoy family-friendly films like Wicked and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, as well as beloved classics from Disney and the complete Harry Potter series. Engaging children’s programming from networks such as Sesame Street and Bluey will also be featured.

Through this Eggstravagant Easter celebration, Emirates aims to foster a festive and enjoyable atmosphere for all travelers, ensuring their journey is both memorable and filled with holiday cheer.

SalamAir Increases Muscat-Salalah Flights by 50% with Fixed Fares for Khareef Season

Published: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
SalamAir Increases Muscat-Salalah Flights by 50% with Fixed Fares for Khareef Season

SalamAir has revealed an ambitious plan to boost air travel between Muscat and Salalah during the 2025 Khareef season, a period known for drawing thousands of visitors to southern Oman’s lush landscapes and cool weather. The airline will introduce fixed fares for Omani citizens, setting prices at OMR 30 for one-way and OMR 48 for round-trip tickets.

This special offer will be valid for travel from June 30 to August 31, 2025, and can be accessed exclusively through SalamAir’s official website and mobile application. To take advantage of these rates, travelers must present a valid Omani identification card at check-in or boarding.

In addition to the fixed fares, SalamAir is ramping up its capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route by 50% compared to the previous year. This means the airline will operate up to four daily flights between the two cities at the peak of the Khareef season, ensuring that more seats are available to accommodate the expected spike in demand.

The increased frequency is part of SalamAir’s broader strategy to support domestic tourism and make travel more convenient and affordable for Omani nationals.

The airline’s CEO, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, highlighted that this initiative is a response to the growing popularity of Salalah during the monsoon season and aligns with SalamAir’s mission to enhance connectivity within Oman. SalamAir’s current fleet of 13 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will be bolstered in July 2025 with the addition of two new planes, and the company has plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2028 through further acquisitions.

Salalah, the jewel of Dhofar province, becomes a magnet for tourists during Khareef, thanks to its verdant hills, flowing waterfalls, and cool temperatures—a stark contrast to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. With SalamAir’s expanded service and fixed pricing, more Omanis will have the opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty without worrying about fluctuating travel costs or limited seat availability.

The airline’s efforts are expected to provide a significant boost to the local tourism sector and reinforce its role as a key player in Oman’s aviation industry.

Etihad Welcomes New Airbus A350 to Its Fleet

Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Etihad Welcomes New Airbus A350 to Its Fleet

Etihad Airways has expanded its modern fleet with the arrival of its sixth Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport on April 11 following a delivery flight from Toulouse, France. This latest addition, registered as A6-XWG, marks a significant milestone in Etihad’s ongoing fleet renewal and sustainability efforts.

The A350-1000 is renowned for its advanced fuel efficiency, emitting 25% less CO2 and producing a noise footprint 50% smaller than previous-generation wide-body aircraft, aligning with Etihad’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The aircraft features a spacious cabin with 371 seats, including 44 in business class, 45 in economy plus, and 282 in economy. Business class offers privacy-focused sliding doors, wireless charging, and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, while economy passengers benefit from ergonomic seating, device holders, and Bluetooth-compatible entertainment systems.

The A350-1000’s extended range and seating capacity provide Etihad with greater operational flexibility, particularly for its long-haul routes.

This summer, Etihad will deploy the new A350 on its route to Atlanta, marking the airline’s sixth destination in North America and part of a broader expansion that includes 16 new routes this year.

The aircraft joins Etihad’s existing widebody fleet, which includes the Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER, and Boeing 787 variants, helping the airline phase out older, less efficient planes and reduce operating costs.

Etihad’s first A350 was delivered in 2019, but the airline only began operating the type in 2022 after initial storage. Since then, the A350 has become a favorite among passengers and a key component of Etihad’s strategy to modernize its fleet with fuel-efficient, passenger-friendly aircraft.

The airline currently has 14 more A350-1000s on order, underscoring its confidence in the aircraft’s role in future growth and sustainability goals.

IndiGo Introduces Daily Direct Flights to Fujairah from Mumbai and Kannur

Published: Saturday, April 12, 2025
IndiGo Introduces  Daily Direct Flights to Fujairah from Mumbai and Kannur

IndiGo, India's largest low-cost airline, has announced the launch of daily direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, starting May 15, 2025. This strategic move marks Fujairah as IndiGo's 41st international destination and its fifth in the UAE, following Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The inaugural flight from Mumbai to Fujairah will take place on May 15, with subsequent daily services commencing from May 16. The Mumbai to Fujairah flight will depart at 1:10 AM and arrive at 2:40 AM, while the return leg will leave Fujairah at 12:25 AM and land in Mumbai at 4:50 AM. Meanwhile, flights from Kannur will depart at 8:55 PM and arrive at 11:25 PM, with the return flight departing Fujairah at 3:40 AM and reaching Kannur at 9:00 AM.

These new routes will be complemented by dedicated bus services to and from Dubai and Sharjah, enhancing connectivity and convenience for travelers. This expansion is part of IndiGo's commitment to boost regional connectivity and provide seamless travel experiences. Fujairah, known for its stunning natural beauty and economic potential, offers a unique blend of mountainous landscapes and a vibrant coastline along the Gulf of Oman.

The emirate is renowned for its pristine beaches, historic sites like Fujairah Fort, and the UNESCO-recognized Wadi Wurayah National Park. With its growing importance in trade, logistics, and tourism, these new flights are expected to enhance regional connectivity significantly.

IndiGo's expanded footprint in the UAE will operate a total of 275 weekly flights between India and the UAE, including 14 weekly flights to Fujairah. This strategic move not only strengthens IndiGo's global presence but also solidifies its position as a key player in international aviation, offering connectivity to 132 destinations worldwide.

The airline's extensive domestic network spanning over 90 Indian cities ensures seamless connections for travelers. By providing convenient and affordable travel options, IndiGo aims to bring people and businesses closer together, catering to both leisure and business travelers alike.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, emphasized that these new flights will enhance regional connectivity, providing convenient travel options for both leisure and business travelers. With its strategic growth plan, IndiGo continues to solidify its presence in the Middle East, offering seamless travel experiences across the globe.

Qatar Airways Boosts Manchester Flights to Meet Growing Demand

Published: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Qatar Airways Boosts Manchester Flights to Meet Growing Demand

Qatar Airways has announced plans to enhance its service to Manchester, UK, by adding three more flights per week starting from June 4, 2025. This expansion is driven by growing demand for the airline ahead of the summer season. The increased frequency will raise the total weekly flights from 21 to 24, providing passengers with greater flexibility and comfort when traveling to Manchester.

The flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, utilizing the airline's state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This move is part of Qatar Airways' strategy to strengthen connectivity between Manchester, known as the "Capital of the North," and its global network, including key markets like Australia.

The airline, voted the Best Airline in the World by Skytrax in 2024, has been serving Manchester since 2003 and continues to enhance its offerings through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.

The increased service will not only benefit travelers heading to Manchester but also those connecting through Doha to other destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity to Manchester, emphasizing the city's cultural and economic significance.

Manchester is renowned for its rich history, vibrant music scene, and iconic football teams, making it a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. With this expansion, Qatar Airways reinforces its commitment to providing superior travel experiences and seamless connections for its global customer base. Bookings for the additional Manchester flights can be made through the airline's website or mobile app.

Etihad Airways Launches Direct Flights to Peshawar, Expanding Pakistan Network

Published: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Etihad Airways Launches Direct Flights to Peshawar, Expanding Pakistan Network

Etihad Airways has announced the addition of Peshawar, Pakistan, to its growing network, marking the airline's fourth destination in the country alongside Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Starting September 29, 2025, the new route will connect Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) with Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) in Peshawar.

Initially operating five times a week, the service will expand to daily flights from November 22, 2025. The flights will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring eight Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats, ensuring passengers enjoy Etihad’s renowned onboard service.

Peshawar, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is expected to attract both business travelers and tourists. Key attractions such as the Peshawar Museum, Mahabat Khan Mosque, and Qissa Khawani Bazaar make it an appealing destination. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating that the new route underscores the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and global destinations across the Gulf, Africa, Europe, and North America.

The Peshawar route is part of Etihad’s ambitious network expansion for 2025, which includes 16 new destinations such as Tunis, Prague, Warsaw, Addis Ababa, and Atlanta. Additionally, the airline is increasing flight frequencies to major European cities like Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi can also benefit from Etihad’s Stopover Programme, offering up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels. This strategic growth reflects Etihad’s dedication to providing seamless travel options for its customers worldwide.

Flight Schedule: Abu Dhabi to Peshawar (Starting September 29, 2025)

  • Flight Number: EY 276

    • Departure Airport: Abu Dhabi

    • Departure Time: 02:45

    • Arrival Airport: Peshawar

    • Arrival Time: 06:55

    • Frequency: Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday

    • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

  • Flight Number: EY 277

    • Departure Airport: Peshawar

    • Departure Time: 08:50

    • Arrival Airport: Abu Dhabi

    • Arrival Time: 11:15

    • Frequency: Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday

    • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

Updated Daily Flight Schedule (Effective November 22, 2025)

  • Flight Number: EY 276

    • Departure Airport: Abu Dhabi

    • Departure Time: 02:45

    • Arrival Airport: Peshawar

    • Arrival Time: 06:55

    • Frequency: Daily Service

    • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

  • Flight Number: EY 277

    • Departure Airport: Peshawar

    • Departure Time: 08:50

    • Arrival Airport: Abu Dhabi

    • Arrival Time: 11:15

    • Frequency: Daily Service

    • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

Note: All times listed are local.